When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.